Picture of the Day: Siberia's Polar Bear Club

A Siberian swim club warms up for an winter swim on the bank of the Yenisei River in an air temperature of roughly -13 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter swims are a long-standing tradition throughout Russia, where ice water is thought to possess numerous health and spiritual benefits. The members of winter swimming clubs like the one pictured above are commonly referred to as "walruses."

We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.